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      Jose Mourinho insists former Manchester United star Chris Smalling should be back in Gareth Southgate’s England team

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      JOSE MOURINHO believes that Chris Smalling should be part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad.The defender is currently playing under the Portuguese manager for Roma in Serie A and is a regular in the starting XI.
      Jose Mourinho thinks Chris Smalling is playing at a high enough level to be in contention for EnglandCredit: Getty
      Smalling has been in good form for Roma in the Serie A this seasonCredit: Getty
      Smalling has not represented the Three Lions since 2017 and has not been picked by Southgate for either of the last two tournaments.
      However, the former Manchester United defender’s current club boss admitted that he would pick him for England off the back of his performances for Roma.
      Mourinho said: “He was taught to play in a two-man defence in Manchester, but now he’s got the perfect acumen to play in a three-man backline.
      “If I were the coach of a national team, I would do anything to have someone like him at my disposal.
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      “I don’t think it’s a lack of respect to Gareth Southgate when I say that I feel very sorry for a player who’s playing at such a high level like Smalling and who won’t get the opportunity he deserves.”
      England are somewhat in a defensive crisis at the moment after star defenders Reece James and Kyle Walker are likely to miss the World Cup in Qatar.
      While other defenders John Stones and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also struggling for fitness, which could pave the way for Smalling to make a surprise return to the England set-up.
      Smalling joined Roma from Manchester United in 2019 on an initial loan deal but after impressing the Italian club, they decided to make his move permanent for a fee rising up to £20million.
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      The 32-year-old had a tougher second season in Italy as he struggled for consistent game time.
      Last season however he was named man of the match in the Europa Conference League as Roma beat Feyenoord to win the competition.
      In 2017, the England manager admitted that the reason he dropped Smalling was that he did not fit into his style of play.
      He said: “I have huge respect for Chris. He is a player playing at a big club.
      Gareth Southgate dropped Smalling from the England team as he picked players suited to his way of playing footballCredit: Getty
      “We want to play in a certain way and the players I have brought in I want to see using the ball from the back and building it up in a certain way.”
      However, Southgate did later regret his choice of words and is aware of how the defender has performed in Italy.
      In 2020 Southgate said: “I think I said I probably regretted the way the message [came over] – by praising others for certain attributes, there was criticism for Chris.
      “It was my fault and it was unfair on him. I think he’s done well in Italy. He’s playing at another big club.”
      England start their Qatar World Cup campaign with the group game against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium on November 21. More

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      Why do Mexico players put their hands across their chests during the national anthem?

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      MEXICO face Poland, Argentina and Saudi Arabia as they look to qualify from Group C of the World Cup.The South Americans will see a real chance of making it to the knock-out rounds if they can hold Robert Lewandowski’s Poland and Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
      Hirving Lozano celebrating at the 2018 World CupCredit: AFP or licensors
      And with the World Cup coming up, fans around the globe will notice one thing about the national team players.
      During the national anthem, the Mexico team unite in a gesture as they put their arms across their chest.
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      Why do Mexico players put their hands across their chests during the national anthem?
      Otherwise known as the saludo a la bandera, translated to “salute the flag”, Mexicans show their respect for their country.
      This comes as in Mexican law this gesture is seen as a way to give respects to the flag in official sporting events where the flag is involved.
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      Citing the Mexican law, Article 14 states: “The civil salute to the Mexican Flag will be done in a straight position, putting the right hand extended over the breast, with the palm facing down to where the heart is located. The male people will salute the flag with the head uncovered.”
      Therefore, the Mexico players stand and hold their arms across their chests as a sign of respect for their country and its flag. More

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      Harry Kane willing to risk World Cup dream with England to fire Tottenham to Premier League glory this season

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      HARRY KANE is ready to risk his World Cup dream to keep Tottenham in the title hunt.Spurs boss Antonio Conte is adamant that striker Kane will put club before country in his remaining seven games before flying off to Qatar as England captain.
      Tottenham main man Harry Kane will give his all before Qatar and has no worries about getting injured, manager Antonio Conte saysCredit: Getty
      A big test awaits tonight with Kane leading the line against Manchester United with third-placed Tottenham looking to keep the heat on their rivals.
      Conte said: “I can tell you that Harry wants to play every game.
      “A player that wants to play every game is not scared of injury or about missing the World Cup.
      “I like to see this commitment and this behaviour from my players.
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      “For sure we are talking about an important competition with the World Cup.
      “But at the same time I can speak about my players. And I trust in my players, I trust in their commitment. I know that they are really focused 100 per cent for our club and for me it is enough for this.”
      Kane has scored five goals in his last six games for Tottenham and 51 goals in 75 games for England.
      He will spearhead the attack in next month’s World Cup and lead the squad as skipper.
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      The World Cup kicks off in 31 days’ time in the middle of Europe’s domestic season and there are growing issues regarding injuries.
      England’s first choice right back Reece James is ruled out after damaging knee ligaments last week.
      And Kane’s team-mate Richarlison gave Brazil a scare with a calf injury at the weekend, although he should be ok.
      As the tournament draws closer there are understandable theories that Qatar-bound players may have one eye on their international ambitions while playing for their clubs.
      Spurs boss Conte has slammed the timing of the World Cup which stretches across November and December and insists it should never be repeated.
      I trust in my players, I trust in their commitment.Antonio Conte
      Conte said: “It is too late to complain. For sure in my opinion the whole football environment should have complained at the right time, not now.
      “Now it is too late and we have to live with this experience. Fingers crossed there will be no injuries and then we will see what happens.
      “After this experience we say ‘we did it once, now let’s continue to do it like the past’.
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      “What we did in the past was perfect for everybody. I was a player at the World Cup and I played in the European Championship and I don’t want a repeat of this situation.
      “After we have seen so many problematic situations there should be no doubt about this. Ok have the World Cup then stop and go back to playing it in the summer.” More

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      Chelsea in huge injury blow with N’Golo Kante out for FOUR MONTHS after hamstring surgery with star to miss World Cup

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      N’GOLO KANTE is set to be out for the next FOUR MONTHS after having hamstring surgery.The midfielder will now miss the World Cup as France seek to defend their crown.
      N’Gole Kante will be out for the next four months after undergoing hamstring surgeryCredit: Getty
      Kante won the World Cup in 2018 with France but will miss this year’s tournamentCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Kante, 31, has spent much of the season sidelined by injury.
      He managed to play just the first two games of the campaign before picking up the problem.
      And, after visiting a specialist, the decision was made for Kante to have surgery on his hamstring.
      A Chelsea statement on Tuesday evening said: “N’Golo Kante has undergone an operation on his hamstring injury.
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      “The midfielder visited a specialist with the club’s medical department to explore the options for his rehabilitation approach.
      “It was mutually agreed for N’Golo to have surgery to repair the damage.
      “Following a successful operation, N’Golo is now expected to be sidelined for four months.”
      Boss Graham Potter revealed last week that Kante had suffered a setback in the final stages before making a return.
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      Ahead of his trip to the specialist, which confirmed the need for surgery, Potter said: “Again he’s due to see a consultant at the weekend. It’s a setback so it’s not good news.
      “But anything other than that, at this stage I can’t give you any more.
      “Historically, there are things which have happened which are a concern and we need to get the bottom of that.
      “It’s a setback in the last stage of his rehab so again that’s worrying. But all we can do is get the right diagnosis, the right consultation and then try help him get back to full fitness and enjoying his football.”
      Kante has been a key player at Stamford Bridge ever since signing from Leicester in 2016.
      But his injury problems in recent months have fuelled speculation of an exit this summer, especially with his contract set to expire.
      He is the latest star to join the growing injury list for the World Cup.
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      Liverpool ace Diogo Jota was also ruled out of the tournament with a calf problem.
      Kante’s Chelsea team-mate Reece James is also a doubt for Qatar, while his France pal Paul Pogba remainss unlikely to be fit to make the plane. More

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      Why did Germany’s 2022 World Cup manager Hansi Flick leave Bayern Munich?

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      GERMANY’s Hansi Flick is one of the most highly rated managers in world football after an incredibly successful spell at Bayern Munich.However, his time in Munich came to an abrupt end just a year after completing a historic treble at the club.
      LEIPZIG, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 23: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been altered: vignette has been added.) Head Coach Hansi Flick looks on prior the UEFA Nations League League A Group 3 match between Germany and Hungary at Red Bull Arena on September 23, 2022 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty […]Credit: Getty
      Departing for the national team, Flick is taking charge of his first World Cup for his country after serving as assistant manager in the past.
      But the question remains – why did he leave Bayern Munich to take over at Germany?
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      Why did Hansi Flick leave Bayern Munich?
      Back in April 2021, Bayern Munich confirmed that Flick requested to have his contract terminated two years before it was due to expire as he looked to take over Germany.
      Hansi Flick during his time at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      Despite their being no official reasoning for Flick’s Bayern Munich departure, the manager opted to take the opportunity to replace Joachim Low at the national team.
      Rumours surrounded the Bundesliga side, stating that his relationship with the club and sporting director Hasal Salihamidzic in particular, was strained.
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      Further reports stated that the sale of Thiago Alacantra was not passed by Flick while he also wished to keep David Alaba at the club.
      Speaking after his departure, Flick hinted at his disappointment with recruitment as he said: “We had a team last year that was quality-wise better than this year, everyone knows that.”
      Furthermore, Flick had always dreamed of the Germany job and it appears that the availability of this came at the perfect time for the manager, handing him the opportunity to depart Bayern Munich and walk into a new role. More

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      World Cup 2022 – injured players to miss tournament: Diogo Jota the latest to be added in devastating blow for Portugal

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      QATAR’s World Cup will see the most famous names in world football face off against each other over November and December.England will be hoping to bring home the trophy after reaching the semi-final stages in 2018 before suffering defeat to Croatia.
      Qatar has been hit with World Cup fever
      The likes of Brazil, France, Spain and Germany will be standing in the way of Gareth Southgate’s men as the top performing stars in football battle it out for international glory.
      However, there are set to be many noticeable absences as the tournament approaches.
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      Who will miss the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?
      The likes of Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah will not be making the trip to the Middle East, having failed to qualify with their countries, while Italy also will not feature at the tournament.
      Alongside these noticeable absentees, other big names will miss out due to no fault of their own.
      We have you covered with all the latest injury news ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, missing through injury.
      Egypt’s Mohamed Sala , reacts after failing to score his penalty kick against Senegal during the World Cup 2022 Africa play-off matchCredit: AP
      Argentina
      AS Roma star Paulo Dybala could be set to miss the World Cup after suffering a freak injury against Lecce in October, with his boss Jose Mourinho admitting : “The injury looks very bad. I’d say bad, but honestly after speaking with Paulo… I think very bad”.
      He could be joined on the sidelines by teammates Joaquin Correa, who is doubtful for the tournament due to a knee injury and veteran Angel Di Maria, who sustained a thigh problem.
      Australia
      The Socceroos will be likely be without Kye Rowles after he broke his foot, while Harry Southar was doubtful but is in line for a return for Stoke City before the tournament so could be called up.
      Belgium
      Alexis Saelemaekers is set to miss the tournament as the AC Milan star was ruled out for the remainder of 2022 after picking up a serious knee injury, seeing him out of action between six and eight weeks.
      Paulo Dybala will miss the World Cup with injury
      Brazil
      Liverpool loanee Arthur Melo has been ruled out of the tournament also, suffering a long-term muscular injury after failing to nail down a starting spot during the beginning of his spell in England.
      Cameroon
      As it stands, Cameroon have a fully fit squad going into the World Cup as they look to impress at the tournament.
      Canada
      Like Cameroon, the Canadians are without any injury concerns.
      Costa Rica
      The South Americans go into the tournament also with a fully fit squad.
      Liverpool midfielder Arthur Melo, on loan from Juventus, will miss the World Cup
      Croatia
      Marcelo Brozovic has faced a spell out with injury but if thought to be fit enough for selection despite his hamstring issues.
      Denmark
      Andreas Christensen has faced three weeks on the sidelines for Barcelona with an ankle injury but should be back in time to travel to Qatar.
      Ecuador
      Joao Rojas has been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury, while teammates Gonzalo Plata and Robert Arbeloda are also doubtful.
      England
      Kalvin Phillips and Emile Smith Rowe will be unavailable for selection after surgeries on shoulder and groin injuries respectively.
      Reece James is expected to miss the tournament also, with Chelsea ruling their defender out for eight weeks as Kyle Walker could also miss the World Cup to Southgate’s blow.
      Man City pair Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker are likely to be out of the England squad after requiring surgery
      France
      Boubacar Kamara will not be seen in Qatar after suffering a knee injury, while there are a host of doubts for the French national team.
      Lucas Digne, Lucas Hernandez, N’Golo Kante and Presnel Kimpembe are all doubtful to make the tournament as France may have to dive into their depth if they are to make it to the latter stages of the tournament.
      Paul Pogba has handed Didier Deschamps’ men a boost as he is set to return for Juventus.
      Germany
      Marco Reus was close to World Cup heartbreak after an ankle injury at Borussia Dortmund but could still make the tournament as Florian Wirtz faces a race against time to recover from an ACL issue.
      Ghana
      Ghana have no injury concerns heading into the World Cup.
      Iran
      Striker Sardar Azmoun is said to be a doubt after sustaining a calf injury while Allahyar Sayyadmanesh faces a race against time to return for England’s Group B rivals.
      N’Golo Kante has suffered another injury setback for Chelsea
      Japan
      Former Arsenal winger Ryo Miyaichi has been ruled out with an ACL injury while another former Gunner Takuma Asano remains a doubt alongside Ko Itakura, both with knee problems.
      Mexico
      Jesus Corona will be out of the tournament after breaking his leg while Wolves striker Raul Jimenez faces a race against time to return.
      Netherlands
      Former Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum will miss the World Cup with a broken leg while Matthijs de Ligt remains a doubt with a groin injury.
      Poland
      Brighton’s Jakub Moder will miss the tournament with an ACL injury while Pawel Dawidowicz remains doubtful.
      Jesus Corona is another big name absentee for the World Cup
      Portugal
      Portugal have been hit hard as Diogo Jota is the latest confirmed absentee for the tournament.
      Pedro Neto and Ricardo Periera are also unavailable through injury. Nuno Mendes and Pepe are also doubts going into the tournament.
      Qatar
      Host nation Qatar will be without Abdullah Al-Ahrak due to a cruciate ligament injury, ruling him out of the home tournament.
      Saudi Arabia
      Saudi Arabia have a fully fit team heading into the competition.
      Senegal
      There is a double blow for the African side as Bouna Sarr is out with a knee injury and Keita Balde is banned due to an anti-doping violation.
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      Serbia
      Ivan Ilicic and Darko Lazovic are both doubts for the World Cup due to muscular problems.
      South Korea
      South Korea have no fresh injury concerns heading into the tournament.
      Spain
      Luis Enrique’s side could be without duo Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal as they remain doubts heading into the World Cup.
      Switzerland
      The Swiss go into the competition with a fresh squad and no injury concerns.
      Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal will hope to return in time for Spain
      Tunisia
      Tunisia are optimistic, with no absentees as of now.
      United States
      Miles Robinson’s achilles injury has put him as a doubt ahead of November but the rest of the squad are fit as they hope to fire the USMNT to glory this winter.
      Uruguay
      Ronald Araujo is one of the latest Barcelona players to be struck by injury, with his groin issue ruling him out for Uruguay.
      Wales
      England’s final group stage opponents, Wales, have a fully fit side as they look to cause an upset in Qatar.
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      Three Lions song could have lyrics changed and be re-released this Christmas ahead of Qatar World Cup

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      ENGLAND’S iconic World Cup anthem Three Lions could be re-released ahead of this year’s tournament.Lightning Seeds singer Ian Broudie teased an updated version with a festive twist because the World Cup will “only probably ever be at Christmas once”.
      Lightning Seeds singer Ian Broudie (centre) has teased a re-release of the iconic Three Lions songCredit: PA:Press Association
      Frank Skinner (centre) and David Baddiel (right) released the original track with the Lightning SeedsCredit: PA:Press Association
      A new version would celebrate the Lionesses’ Euros victoryCredit: Getty
      Any potential re-release would also reference to the Lionesses’ historic Euros win from the summer.
      The Lightning Seeds originally recorded the famous track with Frank Skinner and David Baddiel ahead of Euro 96.
      Ever since then England fans have spent major tournaments hoping the iconic football’s coming home lyrics would finally come true.
      But with the tournament getting underway next month, there is not much time left for another collaboration.
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      Broudie has revealed it would be “a good idea” to update the iconic song after Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses did exactly that earlier this year.
      The team celebrated their triumph by hilariously interrupting Wiegman’s press conference after the final while belting out the lyrics to the song.
      Broudie said, via the BBC: “The way they played and won, it was so refreshing to watch.
      “And when they came into the press conference and jumped on the table and sang Three Lions, I think we felt like it would be lovely to do something.”
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      The Three Lions kick off their 2022 World Cup campaign in a little over a month against Iran.
      Speaking on a re-release, he said: “I don’t think it’s 100% definite, but it’s definitely on the cards.”
      But while football has already come home this year, Broudie wants Gareth Southgate and Co to get the job done in Qatar.
      He added: “Even if it comes home, you want it to come home again.
      “It’s a bit like ‘oh you just won that, let’s win it again’.”
      Three Lions topped the charts in 1996 ahead of the Euros and in 2018 after England’s run to the semi-finals.
      An updated version released for the 1998 World Cup also reached No1 in the charts.
      Football has already come home once this yearCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate is aiming to lead England men’s team to a first World Cup triumph since 1966Credit: Getty More

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      Arsenal players at World Cup 2022: 18 stars set for Qatar with seven to stay at home

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      ARSENAL aces aim to take their Samba-style hot form to Qatar.Three Brazilian join a trio of Three Lions among up to 18 Gunners who could go to the World Cup, with around seven players missing out.
      Brazilian centre-back Gabriel, England centre-back Ben White and Three Lions’ keeper Aaron Ramsdale, are all hoping for World Cup placesCredit: Getty
      England winger Bukayo Saka and Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus have been in scintillating form for the Gunners ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
      Exciting attackers Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Jesus could get the chance to make their biggest impact yet on the international stage.
      And two unsung midfielders who skipper their national sides will expect to have key roles in Qatar.
      Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka has looked reborn under Emirates chief Mikel Arteta this season, although Ghana hero Thomas Partey will be anxious to avoid more fitness problems.
      But one star definitely absent, due to groin surgery, is three-cap Englishman Emile Smith Rowe.
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      And a batch of young Gunners hope the World Cup has not come too early for them, such as Portugal’s Cedric Soares and Belgium midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga.
      Here’s our guide to the Arsenal men fighting for spots in Qatar.
      ENGLAND
      Wideman Bukayo Saka is the only Gunner likely to start for the Three Lions.
      Versatile defender Ben White could scrape into Gareth Southgate’s squad, while Aaron Ramsdale is tipped to be one of the two back-up keepers to Jordan Pickford.
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      BRAZIL
      Gabriel Jesus has arguably been the Prem’s top striker this season – except of course for Erling Haaland at his old club Manchester City.
      And of the Gunners’ three Brazilian Gunners, he’s in pole position to make Tite’s World Cup squad.
      Defender Magalhaes and wideman Martinelli, however, should also make the party.
      PORTUGAL
      Right-back Cedric Soares, 31, and playmaker Fabio Vieira, 22, are struggling to make Fernando Santos’ powerful squad.
      FRANCE
      William Saliba’s brilliant breakthrough campaign at the Emirates, after three loan spells away, means he’s suddenly a near cert for the French squad.
      But a starting spot looks a tough ask as France have one of the world’s most formidable selections are blessed with one of the best selection of centre-backs.
      USA
      Ex- New England Revolution keeper Matt Turner appears sure to go.
      And Auston Trusty, the right-back recruited from Stan Kroenke’s Colorado Rapids, is shining brightly enough on loan for Birmingham to also have a real chance.
      Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka are major players for Ghana and Switzerland respectively and also enjoying their best seasons for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      SWITZERLAND
      Granit Xhaka is finally a fixture for Arsenal – just like he’s long been for Switzerland in winning 106 caps as anchorman.
      Only injury can deny the 30-year-old the winter sun in Qatar.
      GHANA
      Xhaka’s midfield partner Thomas Partey is nailed on for the World Cup – as long as he doesn’t pick up yet another untimely injury.
      BELGIUM
      Former Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is sweating on his World Cup place after playing just a bit-part role for the Gunners.
      JAPAN
      Despite limited game-time at club level after recovering from injury, right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu should be a solid contributor for outsiders Japan.
      SPAIN
      Full-back Hector Bellerin must be long odds to make the Spanish squad, having slipped well down the pecking order at the Emirates.
      MEXICO
      Having rebuffed England and Canada in favour of Mexico, 19-year-old attacking midfielder Marcelo Flores is pushing for a spot in Qatar
      TUNISIA
      Dutch-born centre-back Omar Rekik, 19, should go to Qatar, particularly as he’s performing well for Sparta Rotterdam on loan.
      STAYING AT HOME
      Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard are big-name absentees, while Mohamed Elneny also misses out.
      Former England Under-21 stars Rob Holding and Reiss Nelson are also preparing for a mount without action.
      And Emile Smith Rowe is recovering from groin problems. More